NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Residents from North Berwick, Berwick and Lebanon at a public hearing Thursday night supported the MSAD 60 board of directors $36,192,964 budget plan for FY14.

The public filled the Noble High School gymnasium, addressing Superintendent Steven Connolly and board members on various warrant articles that would shape the district’s budget future, and endorsing all the articles.

One resident questioned the district’s nursing salary line item, which jumped from $327,023 to $364,625 for the next fiscal year.

Board members defended the need for nursing in the district schools, saying most nurses see 100 students a day, going above and beyond standard medical care.

An increase of $272,068 was approved for the student and staff support warrant article, but deliberation from community members questioned the increase in medical insurance from $72,665 to $73,592.

A transportation line item was questioned on a $7,000 increase for software navigation and tracking on the district’s buses.

“It’s a safety feature. We can use this upgrade to locate the bus precisely, or be able to tell where your child was dropped off. We believe it’s an asset,” Connolly said.

A $4 million facility maintenance warrant article passed, but not before the public questioned line items on the school resource officer, custodial salaries, telephone costs, and modular classroom leases.

The district says it is proposing a flat budget, with no increase from FY13, which the board says is not simple as many elements are mandated by legislation.

According to MSAD60, there are several state and federal pressures affecting the proposed budget. Due to that extreme pressure — programs, services, and structures within the district have been re-evaluated.

The district has chosen to consolidate the following positions with MSAD 35: technology director, network manager, project manager, transportation director, shop foreman, and the director of teaching and learning. Additionally, MSAD 60 has reduced the Noble High School dean.

Recently the district has also chosen to consolidate the custodial and maintenance director with MSAD 35.

These changes in the administrative structure will create one of the leanest in York County and will encourage collaboration with neighboring districts, according to MSAD 60 Superintendent Steven Connolly.

The public meeting adjourned shortly after 9 p.m. but not before the board reminded community members the budget referendum will be voted on at the polls May 14 in North Berwick, Berwick and Lebanon.